Need help: headers and connectors for LEDs

[Duane Wood]

I would like to make a light display with many LEDs connected by wires of
various lengths. I would like to use some sort of header and connectors to
connect the LEDs to the PCB. The LEDs will be controlled by a PIC through
shift registers. Each LED can be turned on and off indendently.

I've never used headers or connectors. I was thinking I could use something
like a 2-row x 20 header and then use a 2-position molex housing for each
LED. How are these connectors fastened to the wires? Do I need a special
tool?

Is there a better way to do this?

Duane

 

[Lord Garth]

"Duane Wood" <duanewood@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:KRDdd.19929$qH3.17670@bignews6.bellsouth.net...

I would like to make a light display with many LEDs connected by wires of
various lengths. I would like to use some sort of header and connectors
to
connect the LEDs to the PCB. The LEDs will be controlled by a PIC through
shift registers. Each LED can be turned on and off indendently.

I've never used headers or connectors. I was thinking I could use
something
like a 2-row x 20 header and then use a 2-position molex housing for each
LED. How are these connectors fastened to the wires? Do I need a special
tool?

Is there a better way to do this?

Duane

Design a module with perhaps an 8x8 array of LEDs that has the ability to
run
as a single unit. Include connectors to edge stack multiple modules and
create a
communication channel that can address the maximum number of expected
modules and synchronize each unit in the display. You should expect to end
stack modules as well to create a large array. This will easy the wiring
and the processor overhead needed to refresh a large number of lamps.
Servicing becomes easier as well.